Motor Vehicle Division expects Montana to get REAL ID extension

In less than a month Montana’s extension to roll out Real ID approved licenses is scheduled to end, but state authorities are hoping that the federal government will grant an extension.

If it takes effect, you wouldn't be able to use your state driver's license to fly domestically or get into government buildings. A U.S. passport would be required in place of a Montana ID.

However, the Montana Department of Justice filed for another REAL ID exemption, so residents planning holiday trips should hopefully still be able to fly domestically after the current end date of October 10.

State authorities say they're confident the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will grant their request, since there are plans in place for Montana IDs to become fully compliant with Real ID requirements.

“We are expecting the department to respond formally to those extensions here shortly. They indicated they'd be giving us a response in the middle of September,” said Michele Snowberger, Motor Vehicle Division Drivers Services Bureau Chief.

The new extension is expected to last until 2020. But no matter what, Montana will eventually need to comply with these new requirements. It's one of a handful of states that refused to comply with the federal REAL ID act.

Montanans can start applying for updated licenses in January 2019. Click here for the DMV's website with more information on REAL ID licenses.